You may recall that I spent a few months last year coaching a Little League team. At the end of the season, I was asked several times by parents, players, and league officials if I would do it again this year. Last night, I got a call from the league president asking me that question. I told him that I was willing to coach, but since I'm not the father of a player, they should give preference to someone who is. I also said that I'd be more than happy to assist such a person.

I had the same conversation some time ago with the guy who recruited me as a coach in the first place, who is a coworker of Tiffany's. The word from him has been that there's a player's dad who would like to coach but who doesn't have a whole lot of baseball experience. I'd be a pretty good fit for him as operations manager/consigliere/Don Zimmer without the Pedro-charging proclivities. Both he and the league prez are aware that whatever role I fill, I'll likely miss the end of the season due to other obligations.

I should find out fairly soon what they have in mind for me. There's a league meeting on Feb. 21, which I presume includes the draft, since we began practicing on Feb. 22 last year. I'll let you know what happens.

"The word from him has been that there's a player's dad who would like to coach but who doesn't have a whole lot of baseball experience. I'd be a pretty good fit for him as operations manager/consigliere/Don Zimmer without the Pedro-charging proclivities."

Or the Preperation H commercials. ;-)

Posted by: William Hughes on February 9, 2004 3:43 PM

Kuff,

Some words of experience here. Once you volunteer to coach a kids' league, you will always be asked to continue.

Unfortunately, many fathers sign their kids up for these leagues, but have no desire to coach themselves. (Worse, many times they make life difficult for the coach. You may have experienced that a little yourself last year.)

Your position is commendable. A co-coaching arrangement makes it significantly easier for both coaches.

I've heard that every boy remembers his first Little League coach. I know it is true for me. God Bless You, Mr. Skinner. I don't remember all of the names of my 7th grade teachers. Apparently Mr. Skinner has left a deeper impression on me than some adults did who had me for an entire year.

Posted by: Greg V on February 9, 2004 4:13 PM

Greg,

Thankfully, I had perhaps the best set of players' parents a coach could ask for last year. Made the decision to get back in the saddle a lot easier.